Long Description:On the ocean side of the town of Hull, a peninsula that defines Boston Harbor from the open Atlantic Ocean, is Nantasket Beach, a very popular natural beach that is crowded with people in the hottest summer days.

If you wanted privacy, this is definitely NOT the place to be. If you wanted to do some people-watching, however, there are literally hundreds of people that are either on the beach, walking on the sidewalk along the seawall, or at any of the establishments along Nantasket Avenue.

The area has long been used as a place to relax. In the 1800s, Hull was a resort area, where people either took the train or a boat and stayed at one of the resort hotels. From 1905 to 1985, there was Paragon Park, an amusement park that included the Giant Roller Coaster, which was regarded as one of the best wooden roller coasters in the country (now residing in Six Flags America in Maryland).

Today, Hull is more like an outlying suburb of Boston, yet the fact that the ocean is on almost all sides of the town makes it feel like you are in a remote place. Nantasket Beach is now accessible by car. The nearest state highways are 228 (which includes Nantasket Avenue) and 3A. Parking can be difficult on hot days, and there are several lots that look enticing but are subject to ticketing/towing if you are in the wrong spot. There is no charge to park. The waymark is located at the bathhouse between the two parking lots.

Nantasket Beach is open all year, though lifeguards are stationed only during the summer. There is a bathhouse that has been recently restored and provides restroom facilities, and a beach volleyball court is nearby. The seawall has also been reconstructed. The Nantasket Beach Reservation is run by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (the web site link is below).

Along Nantasket Avenue are several establishments. The prime point of interest is the Paragon Carousel and clock tower, the only reminders of Paragon Park. For $2, you can ride the carousel (the money helps toward the full restoration). There is an arcade where you can get ice cream or Dell's (kind of a lemonade Italian Ice). There are bars and restaurants nearby, too.

People can swim at this location - be prepared, the water can be cold! I have also seen surfers when the waves are high and there aren't a lot of people.

The view is straight out into the Atlantic. To the north is Boston light in the distance. To the south is Minot light in the distance. The beach is walkable, especially at night, when there aren't the crowds.

Give the date and description of your visit, adding any additional information that you may have about the beach. Additional photos of the beach are highly encouraged. We want to hear about your experience!